Wow…we’re all getting whiplash with the rapid fire changes going on in our country. I won’t go into ways you can stay involved. You’ll figure out what you want to do based on your own personal beliefs. What I want to talk about today is how to not drown in the rapids.

There is fine line between staying informed and being totally overwhelmed. That’s true anytime…not just now. I found myself trying to watch all the things and being informed on all the things. I’ve felt overwhelmed and lost, confused and scared. Our brains are not built to sustain that kind of stress. We don’t know what to do when someone takes advantage of that. We don’t know where to turn when we seem to be losing all we have known. I know not all of you are feeling this and I honor the fact that we are all free to our own beliefs.

I’ve found some tools to help me stay balanced when things get stressful. And it doesn’t just apply to politics. It works in any scenario that is causing you stress…grief, illness, tragedy. Here are ten ways to keep your head on straight in times of trouble.

1. Remember Who is actually in control here. We know how this story ends and there will come a day when God will pass His judgement. There will come a day we can walk safely on the streets of Heaven without a care. Till then, we keep that promise in our hearts. Read your Bible every day, or whatever missive you find inspirational. Write down supportive scriptures and leave them in places where you will see them and find encouragement.
2. Choose two or three issues that are the most important to you and focus on staying informed. This keeps you from being overwhelmed with too many issues coming at you at once.
3. Limit your news intake. Stop Doom Scrolling on the computer, pad, or phone. Choose the news service you trust and watch no more than an hour unless it is a breaking news story.
4. Don’t disengage completely. Ignoring an issue does not make it go away. If you don’t like the way things are going, then make it a habit to call your representatives in Washington once a week and express your concern. Use a prepared script if that helps you. Making your voice heard is a contribution and a right. Don’t squander it.
5. Surround yourself with people who love you and support you. People you can talk to. Isolating is probably the worst thing you can do. Seek out safe and nurturing environments. A coffee group. A book club. An art class. Your local library often has interesting groups, classes, and lectures. Make it a game to find free stuff to do. Teach yourself how to make baklava or sourdough or something you’ve always wanted to bake. Baking is really good therapy.
6. Practice good self care. Get enough sleep. Try to have a set bedtime to keep on a healthy routine. Limit your sugar and fat intake. These things can end up increasing your anxiety while having a negative impact on your health. A lovely walk outdoors in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest will help you boost your Vitamin D. 
7. Limit alcohol and tobacco use. A drink might make you feel better in the moment but morning always comes and often brings regrets.
8. Keep up with your daily living skills. I know it seems ridiculous to encourage you to brush your teeth, wash your hair, take a shower, get dressed in clean clothes, change your sheets and make your bed, practice good posture, and eat good food. But, when you are depressed, it’s very difficult to keep up with these things. Make a chart. Give yourself a gold star. Reward yourself with a walk or a crisp apple. Take a bubble bath by candlelight.
9. Start a Gratitude Journal. Pour your heart and soul out on paper. Document what’s going on in your life. Someday, historians will pore over collected diaries that tell future generations what living in these times was really like.
10. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help if you need it. If you find yourself struggling more than usual or feel like life isn’t worth living, please seek professional health. There are so many ways to get help with your mental health these days. There isn’t as much stigma attached as there used to be. Print out this list or do an internet search for “mental health resources” for a list of suggestions.

So, that’s my list of suggestions to help keep yourself on an even keel. I hope this helps. If you have more to add to the list, please share with us in the comments. Be safe out there…be good to yourself, and each other.

💜

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”” ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

***Gratitude Journal*** 
Today I am grateful for all the tools in my mental health toolbox. I was blessed to have a good therapist that helped me get through some really tough times in this life. Mental Health and Physical Health is just…health.

#mentalhealth, #selfcare, #askforhelp